"No, Mrs. Googe—"
She sank back on the pillows; he drew a chair to the bedside.
"—But I have decided to go down to New York and search for myself. I have a feeling he is there, not in Maine or Canada; and I know that city from Washington Heights to the Battery."
"You think he'll be found?" She could scarcely articulate the words; some terror had her by the throat; her eyes showed deadly fear.
"Yes, I think he will."
"But she won't do anything—I—I went to her—"
"Don't exert yourself too much, Mrs. Googe, but if you can tell me whom you mean, to whom you have applied, it might help me to act understandingly."
"To his aunt—I went last night."
"Mrs. Champney?"
She closed her eyes and made a motion of assent.